[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THREE MICHIGAN STUDENTS HONORED FOR NATIONAL HISTORY DAY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate three 
Michigan students whose projects have been selected for the high honor 
of being presenters at the National Museum of American History on 
Wednesday, June 12, 2002. These three students are three of only 34 
chosen to present from over 2,000 National History Day finalists. The 
National History Day contest annually receives more than a half million 
entries.
  Trevor Bakker, of Holland West Middle School in Holland, MI, won for 
his project titled ``A Pinch of Salt: Mahatma Gandhi's Nonviolent 
Revolution.'' From Rochester Adams High School in Rochester Hills, MI, 
Allison and Rachel Brown received recognition for their project called 
``Laying It On the Line: The United Automobile Workers' Struggle for 
Labor Reform.'' These projects reflect this year's National History Day 
theme, ``Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.''
  Michigan has played a critical role in revolution and reform in our 
country. On December 30, 1936, the newly-formed United Automobile 
Workers of America revolted against management with a sit-down strike 
in Flint to protest General Motors' decision to shift work to other 
factories where the union was not as strong. Three months later, the 
strike ended successfully with an agreement under which General Motors 
recognized the union as the bargaining agent of the workers, inspiring 
the growth of countless unions across the country.
  In addition, Michigan was the home of Sojourner Truth, the great 
reformer for the issues of slavery and women's rights, over the last 20 
years of her life. And Michigan's unique ten-cent bottle refunds, 
implemented in 1978 by the Beverage Container Act, represents a 
significant reform for the national issues of recycling and waste 
reduction.
  These three young historians have poured months of research into this 
endeavor. Along the way they have sharpened their critical thinking and 
research skills while becoming bonafide experts on their respective 
topics. Their time in Washington is sure to be an enriching experience 
as they observe some of the richness of American history up close.
  I know my Senate colleagues will join me in congratulating Trevor, 
Allison, and Rachel for their tremendous accomplishment, and in hoping 
for their continued success.

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